Director, Autonomous Molecular Discovery

Lilasciences; Greater London; On-site; GBP 152,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Lila Sciences seeks a Director, Molecular Discovery to lead small molecule programs on an autonomous platform. You will drive hit-to-lead through candidate nomination, partnering with AI/ML, robotics, and software teams to maximize throughput and predictive accuracy while maintaining high scientific quality.

You will shape end-to-end discovery plans, manage assays and staff, and collaborate with CROs and external partners to deliver clinically relevant candidates.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related discipline.
• 12+ years in small molecule drug discovery with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience delivering clinical candidates and leading compound progression decisions.
• Expertise in ADMET, DMPK, and AI/ML-driven molecular design.
• Strong leadership and communication for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own small molecule discovery programs from hit identification through lead optimization and nomination.
• Lead discovery output, timelines, quality benchmarks, and throughput targets.
• Interface between autonomous platform and discovery decisions ensuring potency and developability.
• Collaborate with AI/ML, robotics, and software teams to improve predictive accuracy and efficiency.
• Architect end-to-end discovery program components and enforce quality standards.
• Coordinate CROs and external partners for specialized studies.
• Provide drug discovery expertise to product teams for partnerships.

Job description

Lila Sciences seeks a Director, Molecular Discovery to lead small molecule programs on an autonomous platform. You will drive hit-to-lead through candidate nomination, partnering with AI/ML, robotics, and software teams to maximize throughput and predictive accuracy while maintaining high scientific quality.

You will shape end-to-end discovery plans, manage assays and staff, and collaborate with CROs and external partners to deliver clinically relevant candidates.